Myth: Cutting carbs will make you lose weight

TRUTH: Oh, KGN readers. You know this one isn’t true! I know because you’re intelligent, savvy readers (and I’ve taught you well). As you probably know, any extra calories are stored as fat. It doesn’t matter if those calories enter your body as carbs, fat, or protein, they’re all stored as fat.

So, there are 2 important points to make here:

Cutting carbs is not the most effective means of cutting calories. Carbs contain 4 calories per gram while fats contain 9 calories per gram. So, to cut the most calories, cut the fat.

Cutting carbs isn’t effective because your exercise regimen will suffer. Since carbs are the main source of fuel for the body, you’re much less efficient if you’re carbohydrate deprived.

BOTTOM LINE: If you want to lose weight, you should cut calories from every category – carbohydrates, fats and proteins (it’s all about balance). Always exercise when you’re well hydrated and have had a small, carbohydrate-based snack to fuel your workout (unless you’re working out after a meal). Despite the popularity of the Atkins diet, it’s not necessarily the best way to lose weight – especially given its emphasis on a high fat intake.

Plus, all of the most beneficial, plant based foods contain carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.